The Universalist. [volume] (Chicago [Ill.]) 1884-1897, 1887-09-24
Correspondence.
LETTER FROM JOHN r. BUCHTEL

AKRON, o., Sept. IL, 1887.
To the Editor of The UniUersalist:
1 am still confined to my bed, but am
gaining slowly. 1 have a better use of
my limbs than I had a month ago, and
am able to ride out some in pleasant
weather. / have sent, you a Beacon,
which contains complimentary notice
OF the college, thinking your many read
ers might like to know how the college is
regarded in Akron.
Thanking you for the many favors
which you have shown the college, re-
main, yours truly,
JOHN r. BUoHTEn.
We give below the article from the
Beacon of Sept. 10, to which Mr.. Buch-
tel alludes above. Our readers will be
glad to hear from him, and to know that
he keeps such sharp look out for the
interests of the colleges:
During the last fifteen years an institution
has been growing up in Akron of most po-
tent and sanitary character. Few cities are
so thoroughly equipped for industrial, social
and intellectual development as is Akron,
fact which argues we'll her superiority as
place of habitation. For the fifteenth time
Buchtel College has opened its doors to the
seekers of knowledge of the land aud at no
The impetus which was given the college
last June by the princely gift of $l75, 900 by
its founder, the Hon. John R. Buchtel, has
been considerably augmented by wise and
progressive steps taken in the way of inter
nal advancement. And this has been the
spirit of the college from the time of its in
ception. 1t seems to be Distinguishing
feature of American colleges to make as
much external display as possible, and costly
spacious buildings are built as rapidly as
money can be obtained, while the college
professor, whose hard earned knowledge and
wisdom and rigid self discipline alone make
up the efficiency of the Institution, is paid
but 1.-THE what his merits deserve. Although
since the establishment of Buchtel College
over 100000 has been given it, by friends
of education, not one dollar has been used
in the construction of new buildings so badly
needed; and day, out of debt, with an en-
dowment fund of half million, Buchtel
College stands forth proudly conscious that
thoroughly established institution awaits
the new buildings in contemplation rather
than elegant and spacious buildings awaiting
a college to occupy them-a sad spectacle
not unfrequently seen.
Since the close of the last school year,
steps have been taken in the way of broaden
ing the course, and for the first time art and
elocution will be made regular features of
the college curriculum. The large number
of students from neighboring towns. who
enter the art department, speak we'll for
Akron as an art center, and Prof. Van Laer
has effectually endeavored to furnish an art
school which shall meet the demands of all
classes and during the short time in which
he has had charge of the art department it
has attained a high degree of excellence.
Regular classes in sketching will be found in
the college department, and the student will
be instructed in the fundamental principles
of art.
Miss Ada M. Mariner, the instructor in
elocution, is refined lady of high elocution-
airy ability, graduate of the National School
of Oratory at Philadelphia, and enters upon
her work here with great enthusiasm. Glasses
in each of the college years will be formed,
and the course arranged with respect TO the
length of time the student yet has in college.
Miss Mariner will organize city classes for
the benefit of those unable to attend the reg
ular college courses. These two, together
with the musical department, makes Buch-
tells art department complete, and gives to
the Akron people opportunities for art study
rarely met with outside the larger cities.